It is a Rawlings model, as was generally the case until 1957, when Wilson introduced the A2000 with its hinged heel. Willie never thought this was his greatest catch (what about that throw!), but it certainly was seen by more people, via national television broadcast, than any of the others. (If you’re wondering, I don’t believe Al Gionfriddo’s catch in the 1947 World Series can be mentioned in the same breath.)But in 1954, when Mays made The Catch, he created an eternal symbol of extraordinary athleticism and, recognizable only in retrospect, genius. Mays was an utterly complete talent; his speed made him both an outfield legend and a base-running threat; his arm was outstanding — some say the best ever; and as a batter he had much more power than his smallish frame would indicate. But for all his great batting statistics, no one can describe to the fans of a future generation the thrill of seeing Willie Mays. Fortunately, graybeards like me may simply point them to The Catch, which saved Game One of the World Series and set the table for an improbable sweep of Cleveland, who had gone 111–43.
Speaking of The Catch, the ensuing moment is one of my all-time favorites:
Giants manager Leo Durocher had brought in lefty Don Liddle to relieve starter Sal Maglie and face the Indians’ lefty slugger Vic Wertz. After Liddle surrendered the blast that ended up as The Catch, he handed the ball to righty reliever Marv Grissom, saying, “Well, I got my man!”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
No comments:
Post a Comment